News

A black female doctor is claiming discrimination in a Facebook post that has since gone viral. Dr. Tamika Cross, an OBGYN from Houston, said she sprang into action on a Delta Flight leaving Detroit Sunday (Oct.9) when a passenger seated in front of her became unresponsive. However, Cross alleges it was a flight attendant who almost let the passenger die because they didn’t believe she was an actual doctor.

“The flight attendant yells “Call overhead for a physician on board.” I raised my hand to grab her attention. She said to me ‘Oh no sweetie put your hand down, we are looking for actual physicians or nurses or some type of medical personnel, we don’t have time to talk to you.” I tried to inform her that I was a physician but I was continually cut off by condescending remarks.

According to Cross, the flight attendant then asked passengers if there were any doctors on board, if so, to please press their button. Cross obliged and said she was then met with a plethora of questions all the while the patient was still in need.

“I stare at her as I go to press my button. She said ‘Oh wow, you’re an actual physician?’ I reply yes. She said ‘Let me see your credentials. What type of doctor are you? Where do you work? Why were you in Detroit?” (Please remember this man is still in need of help and she is blocking my row from even standing up while Bombarding me with questions).”

The overt discrimination only heightened when Cross said a “seasoned” white male approached informing the flight attendant he’s a doctor and immediately was able to help the passenger. Cross says the flight attendant later realized the error, and tried to smooth things over by offering her skymiles. Cross however, isn’t having it.

“She came and apologized to me several times and offering me skymiles. I kindly refused. This is going higher than her. I don’t want skymiles in exchange for blatant discrimination. Whether this was race, age, gender discrimination, it’s not right. She will not get away with this….and I will still get my skymiles….”